“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 NIV

Our verse for today was written by Peter, one of the 12 disciples, who was called by Jesus to be His follower. Peter got to see all the miracles of Jesus and got to travel with Him. Peter walked on water to Jesus (though not very far). Peter knew that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. And Peter knew that Jesus was his steadfast friend.

Steadfast is a word that can be used to describe a person. Someone who can be trusted to do what they say they will, relied on to help in times of trouble, and loyal and faithful to always be by your side and stand up for you. Each of us would probably choose to be a steadfast friend and of course, we would all like to have steadfast friends.

But, just like Peter, we do already have a most wonderful, steadfast friend, Jesus. He has promised to always love us, to never leave us, to give us peace and strength when we need it, to hear us when we pray, and to work things for our good. Now that is a steadfast friend!

And Peter wanted to be a steadfast friend for Jesus. But do you remember the Bible story about Peter’s denial? It’s in Matthew 26:69-75. After Jesus was arrested, Peter denied that he was a follower of Jesus and that he even knew Jesus. Afterwards, he “wept bitterly” and suffered shame for his denial.

We, too, like Peter, want to be steadfast and strong in our faith, but we don’t always succeed. But the last part of our verse gives us hope and a promise. That Jesus, himself, will restore us, forgive us, and give us strength to stand firm and be steadfast. Our steadfast friend, Jesus, will give us all that we need to be His steadfast friend.

This week, talk with your parents, think about who you know, other than Jesus, who is a steadfast friend to you:  your mom, your dad, a teacher, a friend, a brother or sister. Now think about how you are a steadfast friend. As you try to be more like Jesus, and ask for His help, you will become an even better steadfast friend.

Blessings as you learn from Jesus to be a strong and steadfast friend!